\Pros`e*cu"tion\, n. [L. prosecutio a following.]
1. The act or process of prosecuting, or of endeavoring to
   gain or accomplish something; pursuit by efforts of body
   or mind; as, the prosecution of a scheme, plan, design, or
   undertaking; the prosecution of war.
         Keeping a sharp eye on her domestics . . . in
         prosecution of their various duties.  --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
2. (Law)
   (a) The institution and carrying on of a suit in a court
       of law or equity, to obtain some right, or to redress
       and punish some wrong; the carrying on of a judicial
       proceeding in behalf of a complaining party, as
       distinguished from defense.
   (b) The institution, or commencement, and continuance of a
       criminal suit; the process of exhibiting formal
       charges against an offender before a legal tribunal,
       and pursuing them to final judgment on behalf of the
       state or government, as by indictment or information.
   (c) The party by whom criminal proceedings are instituted.
       --Blackstone. Burrill. Mozley & W.